Looking on the bright side – can you do that? All the time?
If you’re anything like me, it takes real effort to continue to look on the bright side – regardless. But even though it takes effort, (and sometimes huge effort), it never hurts me in the long run. In fact, it makes my life better, and all those around me feel it.
Once I’ve found the “bright side”, and go with it, then other aspects where negativity could creep in seem easier to manage.
Is it simple to look for the positive in life? Not always.
Looking on the bright side even when it’s hard.
Here are some ways to encourage yourself to focus on what’s good in a circumstance:
- Review all that you could be thankful for in this situation. Make a list. Dig. Here’s a post on thankfulness that will give you practical ideas.
- Express your thankfulness in a concrete way: words, or actions.
- Take time to ponder. We allow the rush of life to overwhelm us and by default the place we end up is negative. Use a timeout to process what’s going on. Prayer always helps me.
- Make a pro and con list on paper. (or your computer) Seeing the issues in black and white will often clarify those nebulous clouds of gloom and doom. Talk it through with a trusted friend. A person who loves you can see situations differently. Neither of you is right or wrong. Sometimes it’s good to have a discussion to see another’s view.
- Get out of your own way. In the Lead Like Jesus Encounter, there’s a part called “Ego’s Annonymous”. It’s designed to help the participants recognize we all struggle every day with pride and fear – it’s an addiction. As a Christian, I see EGO as “edging God out”. Most times, at least for me, when I can’t find the bright side that’s at the root.
How about you?
What techniques do you use to successfully find your positive place?
PositiveThanksLiving is about being strategically optimistic – not just pie-in-the-sky everything is perfect. Living as an optimistic and thankful person takes work – but it’s worth it!
A few ways to look on the bright side – even when it’s hard. Be strategically optimistic.
I often refer to myself as Miss Pollyanna to my friends to keep them from rolling their eyes when I point out the positive of a situation. It took me a long time to get here, but I can usually see good in each situation. Sometimes I think, “on the other hand…” to find the bright spot. Today, it’s raining hard, and I’m not going anywhere. On the other hand, it’s a perfect day to experiment and try a new soup recipe.
What a great addition to the list – super prompt… “on the other hand…”
Thank you so much, Nita!
You said it – it’s not always easy to think positively – especially when you feel as if the world is crashing down on you. What I generally do is have a little pity party with myself for about an hour and then I take a deep breath and think about how I can turn the problem around. But I do have to get the negative out of my system first before I can move to the positive.
I try my best – and that’s all any of us can do.
Feeling the bad stuff first, before moving on is important. Yes, Eydie. I get it. And everyone has a different timetable when it comes to moving forward toward something good. That’s such a good point – one that I missed. Thank you!
I’m just a genuine positive person. Even when things don’t seem to be going that way, I always like to find something positive out of it. Everything can’t always be peaches and cream but I consider everything a learning experience. Great blog!
Thank you for stopping in, Martha. I’m so with you on the “learning experience” view. If I’ve learned something, then that can be the “positive”. 🙂
To get back into a positive mood, I “force myself” to do something, anything, but just one little thing that I can be proud of. It can be to choose a place in the house that need to be reorganized; choose a coloring book and color with my son; go for a walk. Some other time, it’s just to put everything on paper only to clean my head.
Good point, Stephie – doing something we can be proud of is a way to move toward the positive. Thank you for sharing!